It’s no longer called a Full Moon Concert event, when singer-pianist Robert Cazimero serenades at Chef Chai’s.
It’s now the Monthly Aloha Concert, minus the lunar theme, but the format and spirit remain. Who needs the moon?
Cazimero is the ideal host, offering chatter, wisdom, and a menu of familiar favorites, in Hawaiian for the most part. His pair of dancers, Sky Perkins Gora and Keola “Bully” Makaiau, assemble for designated hula.
Last night’s (Sept. 28) event was casual, conversational and carefree, even with an unexpected guest singer. You just never know who or what will appear. Like, during the show, a peculiar soul strolled in, seemingly in hospital wear; he briefly watched the musical action, and even tried to sit in a vacant seat, but was led out of the restaurant by a waiter. After the performance, an ambulance with flashing lights was tending to his needs on Kapiolani Boulevard.
It’s also becoming quite a challenge to view the happenings. Where you’re sitting determines how much you’ll witness. I understand Chai Chaowasaree is in Thailand, so a new restaurant manager is in charge. His absence is noticeable. I shoot iPhone photos, to share in this space, but the task is getting harder. Inventive cropping still can’t erase dark shadows of diners.
The dancers do their numbers in darkness, without overhead lighting; the diners/viewers make it a challenge to photograph from your assigned perch. Thus, it takes creativity to try to snap a performer or two.
Cazimero, of course, is tucked behind his grand piano in one corner of the restaurant. His guest crooner, Kala‘I Stern, joined him on the platform where the piano sits; his birthday-mom was thrilled, as he’s quite the trouper with an engaging voice.
Cazimero provided a sentimental journey with a cluster of tunes includindg “Beyond the Reef,” “Home in the Islands,” “Drinking Champagne,” and “Aloha No.” Surely, many memories accompany these tunes.
The champagne number comes with a sip of his favorite bubbly, provided by a supporter and delivered to his piano, assuring guaranteed joy, sip by sip.
He almost always sings “Wahine Ilikea,” which gives Goya the op to share her hula moves, with lovely hula hands telling the romantic theme.
On this evening, Cazimero also selected a which-is-your-favorite island motif, singing “Honolulu” and then visiting the other islands, from the Big Island (where his ‘ohana originated) and Kauai, enabling him of dust off “Hanalei Moon.”
Of course, every song has its own story and beauty, and floral themes were notably fragrant, tapping pikake and tubarose.
A nice way to celebrate aloha, minus the moon. Got a thumbs-up from our grandnephew, Sgt. John Rhoades, now working at Schofield Barracks. He’s always a guest when we go see his Uncle Robert. “That kid has an amazing smile,” said Cazimero. They’ve become a mutual admiration society…
And that’s Show Biz…